Best of Queensland Experiences 2025: Celebrating Excellence in Regional Hospitality

Southern Cross Motel Group Celebrates Best of Queensland 2025 Recognition for 3 properties

The Southern Cross Motel Group is proud to announce that three of its standout Queensland properties have been recognised in the 2025 Best Queensland Experiences Program, an initiative led by Tourism and Events Queensland that highlights the state’s top-performing tourism businesses.

This recognition is a reflection of the Group’s steadfast commitment to excellence in guest service, quality accommodation, and meaningful regional experiences. The honoured properties include the Windmill Motel and Events Centre in Mackay, the Chinchilla Downtown Motor Inn, and the Takalvan Motel in Bundaberg.

Windmill Motel and Events Centre – Mackay, QLD

Nestled beside a peaceful lake just minutes from Mackay’s CBD, Windmill Motel and Events Centre has become a leading venue for weddings, conferences, and relaxing leisure stays. The property’s lush gardens, scenic views, and serene atmosphere provide an ideal escape, while its modern facilities meet the needs of both corporate and leisure travellers.

The onsite Buddy Boy Kitchen Restaurant is known for its refined take on local produce, adding to the guest experience with modern dishes that celebrate regional flavours. Earning the 2025 Best of Queensland Experiences title affirms the Windmill’s status as a cornerstone of Mackay’s hospitality landscape.

The Windmill Motel - Best Queensland Experiences 2025

Chinchilla Downtown Motor Inn – Chinchilla, QLD

Chinchilla Downtown Motor Inn continues to raise the bar for regional accommodation in Queensland’s Western Downs. With spacious, tastefully appointed rooms, exceptional service, and a quiet location just steps from Chinchilla’s town centre, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience.

Guests consistently highlight the motel’s cleanliness, attention to detail, and the warmth of its team — qualities that led to its inclusion in this year’s Best of Queensland Experiences. For business travellers and weekenders alike, it exemplifies the hospitality standards that make Southern Cross properties a trusted choice.

Executive King room at Chinchilla Downtown Motor Inn

Takalvan Motel – Bundaberg, QLD

Positioned near Bundaberg’s cultural icons and only a short drive from the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Takalvan Motel is a natural launchpad for both leisure and business stays. Featuring renovated rooms, onsite dining, and a relaxed outdoor pool area, it caters to guests seeking elevated comfort in one of Queensland’s most storied towns.

Its proximity to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, Mon Repos Turtle Centre, and vibrant food scene makes it a preferred option for travellers exploring the region. The 2025 award is a nod to the team’s unwavering focus on guest satisfaction and operational excellence.

The Takalvan Motel - The Best of Queensland Experience 2025

A win for regional hospitality

The Best of Queensland Experiences Program evaluates businesses based on consistent customer feedback, quality assurance checks, and digital engagement — meaning each awarded property has proven its worth across multiple criteria. For Southern Cross Motel Group, these three awards are more than individual victories — they represent a broader success in delivering exceptional travel experiences across regional Queensland.

“This recognition reflects the pride and passion our teams bring to every guest interaction,” said a spokesperson from Southern Cross Motel Group. “It is a privilege to be recognised as an integral part of the best Queensland experiences, and be able to contribute to Queensland’s tourism landscape and offer authentic, high-quality accommodation in such diverse destinations.”